State Senate Approves Pilot Needle Exchange Program In Miami-Dade

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) – With supporters pointing to the need to prevent the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases, the Senate on Tuesday approved a pilot needle and syringe exchange program in Miami-Dade.

Under the five-year program, drug users would be able to exchange used needles and syringes for clean needles and syringes.

The program would be privately funded and could not receive state money. Senators voted 30-10 to approve the bill (SB 408), sponsored by Sen. Oscar Braynon, D-Miami Gardens.

The House version (HB 491) has been approved by committees but has not been considered on the House floor.